METHODS AND CHILDREN'S MINISTRY

The methods we use in ministry to children must grow out of and reflect what we understand from Scripture, our theology, the field of education, and the ultimate goal of Christian education.

* Our methods must intentionally seek to contribute to the PROCESS by which God, through the Holy Spirit, reveals himself to persons, confronts them with their spiritual needs, and encourages and enables them to respond in Christ-forming ways. Methods that rush God's timing and process are inappropriate. There is a delicate balance between wanting children to become Christians as early as possible to avoid a life of sin and rushing children into this experience before they are ready. We must prayerfully seek to find this middle ground. We must ask ourselves whether our methods will aid the process of formation in Christ's likeness, or whether they have at heart other, lesser goals.

* We should use methods that INVOLVE students in AGE-APPROPRIATE study and application of Scripture. The best methods are those that actively engage children in making discoveries about God, Jesus, and Christian living.

The next time you teach, ask yourself these questions:
~ Who's doing all or most of the talking?
~ What is happening other than talking?
~ Do the children know its OK to wrestle with important questions?
~ Do students know they might not always find the "right answers" immediately?

* Methods must be appropriate to the nature of persons. No method should trivialize children, manipulate them, or work in opposition to God's design for human development and learning. When I was a child, an occasional ploy to get boys and girls to the altar was to mention a small gift that would be given to each one. Workers always said, "Now don't come down unless you REALLY want to give your heart to Jesus." But what young child can resist such a lure? Reflect carefully on what is scripturally, theologically, and educationally appropriate to do with the children you teach. After children pray for salvation, it is always appropriate to give a Bible or booklet to guide their spiritual growth.

* Methods should focus on Christian community and should encourage children to care for one another rather than competing with one another. Our methods should help every child find his or her place in the faith community.
Sometimes even simple things can say to children, "You belong with us." Last week I visited a church that does not provide children's church. Because children participate in worship with adults, the bulletin features icons to help children know what will happen next: music notes for singing, praying hands for prayer, and an open Bible for the message. Having children share prayer requests and pray for one another is another good way to build care and concern. Use competitive games sometimes, but also use games in which children work together to win. It is good to provide service projects in which children help others.

* Methods should be means to an end, not an end itself. We must continually recognize that the Holy Spirit is not dependent on any human method to bring about spiritual transformation. Our dependence is not on methods, but on the Spirit. And no method should be used only because we like it. Every method should contribute appropriately to the goals we seek.

* Finally, the Christian educator's foremost, and most-often-employed, methods must be prayer and Bible study. Through these methods, we can increasingly know God and His will. We can work with Him effectively in the spiritual formation and transformation of children.

-- contributed by Donna Fillmore